Johanns Cosponsors Earmark Elimination Act

On Wednesday, Sen. Mike Johanns cosponsored a bill introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania that would permanently ban earmarks.

TheEarmark Elimination Act is a step Johanns says is needed in "stopping wasteful government spending andensuring that earmarks are permanently banned."

Johanns said, "Spendingdecisions in Washington should be made in a transparent, open and fair way togive Americans the confidence that their tax dollars are being spent wisely."

Earmarks are funds for specific projects and programs allocated by Congress. Generally Congress would give money to a federal agency which would then hand the money out the way it sees fit. Earmarks are a way for some projects and programs to get around this process.